Serena Zam - NEWSK1N

Project Description

Serena Zam’s NEWSK1N is an interactive, horror-inspired, web-based project about skin, pain, and chronic illness. Visitors are guided through an eerie, fictional hypnotherapeutic treatment, experienced through hand-drawn illustration, digital animation, and prompts. Identifying chronic illness as itself a horror story, Zam has created a narrative experience that captures the desperation, anguish, and despondency that comes with searching for relief. Get calibrated, explore your patient report, hack your mind out of the pain cycle, and most importantly—don’t scratch!

Perfect for fans of digital horror and body horror, and for those who have struggled with the medical system.

Artist Bio

Serena Zam is an artist and technologist living and making in Austin, Texas. Her work has been featured in shows and galleries across the state. She blends digital mediums and analog technology with more traditional techniques like painting, printmaking, and collage. Recently, her work has also focused on chronic illness. Serena holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin with certificates in Art History and Digital Art and Media. In 2023, she was recognized as one of Concept Animals’ Top Three Performance Artists for her painting performance, B1NARY.

In-person at Austin Studio Tour 2025

Serena Zam will debut NEWSK1N in-person at The Museum of Human Achievement during the Austin Studio Tour on 11/8, 11/15, and 11/16. Meet the artist, explore her web project, and check out the physical zine. Artist in-person 11/8 and 11/15-16 during Details here.

This tabling is supported in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department.